Robert Hart And The Modernization Of Late Qing Dynasty's Post

In ancient China, post is its traditional form, it is an accessory to national politics. It depended on the political power, gradually developed with the national political changes. Therefore, the social attribute of traditional post was not fully displayed. With the development of human civilization, the function of post gradually changed, and eventually turned into the operation mode of modern postal service. Modern postal service, as a national organization and state monopoly, founded by state, made use of different means of transportation, is an industry with information transmission as purpose. It is the integrant infrastructure for production and communication of human society, and played a significant role in the tremendous changes of modern world. Hart (1835～1911,Robert Hart) was fascinated by the modern postal service, who was the famous foreign employee in late Qing dynasty. When he arrived at Beijing in the beginning of 1861, he meticulously represented the important role of set up a new national postal service to exalted infante Yi Su. After that, he controlled postal service in modern China, whether customs commission or establishment of postal service of Qing dynasty.To the development of modern China postal service, Hart always followed the principle of circumspect and development gradually. After operation of national postal service in Qing dynasty, Hart did not radically run things, and formulate comparatively conservative development patterns for nation postal service, because he profoundly observed and acquainted the Chinese Society and current situation of national communication system. Furthermore, China did not join in Universal postal union. Hart had to do with this fact, but he can not take fully responsibility for this fact.Heard played the role of sponsor, organizer and manager in the modernization of late Qing dynasty's post. He largely determined the developmental direction of post in the late Qing Dynasty. While his starting point service for national colonialism, it was decided by the objective historical conditions. He contributed tremendously for the modernization of late Qing dynasty's post and even laid a solid foundation for the rapid development of China's postal industry for the last hundred years.